portal lighter not working

So im trying to make a mod  and i added an new dimension. I build the portal correctly, correct blocks correct item to light it and i set everything right in the dimension editor, and for some reason the portal wont light.  the only way i can get into the dimension is either through /execute in <dimension> run tp @s [x] [y] [z] or setblocking the portal block, and just letting you know i am a new modder